Lyuben Karavelov University of Structural Engineering and Architecture
At a glance
| Bulgarian name | Висше строително училище „Любен Каравелов“ |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1938 |
| City | Sofia |
| Type | State higher education institution |
| Rector | Anita Handruleva (from 2021) |
| Website | vsu.bg |
Source: Wikipedia (Bulgarian): Висше строително училище; Official website: Lyuben Karavelov University of Structural Engineering and Architecture1,2
History
The institution was formed in Sofia on 4 November 1938 under the name School for the Training of Labour Officers, following a decree issued on 18 October that year. Its first course lasted one year. It was initially based in the Lagera neighbourhood and moved in 1942 to its own building in Gorna Banya. [1]1
After several reorganisations, the school became the Higher People’s Military Construction School in 1973. Its four-year full-time and five-year part-time courses were later extended to five and six years respectively. In 1991 it was renamed the Higher Military Engineering Construction School ‘Lyuben Karavelov’. [1]1
Academic development
The school’s original role was to train officers for the Construction Troops. Over time, its remit expanded to prepare personnel for construction and for government bodies including the Ministries of Defence, Interior and Transport. [1]1
The institution adopted a three-cycle degree structure of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral study. The first cohort following a four-year bachelor’s curriculum was admitted in the 1998/1999 academic year. Civilian students began enrolling that year in the programme in Construction of Buildings and Facilities. [1]1
On 31 August 2000, the institution was demilitarised and converted into the state Higher School of Construction ‘Lyuben Karavelov’. Cadets continued their studies as students under the curricula on which they had been admitted, leading to civilian and military qualifications. The institution reported 1,265 students in 2013. [1]1
International links and leadership
Students from countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America have studied at the institution. The countries named include Tanzania, Mozambique, Cuba, Laos, Yemen, Vietnam, Mongolia and Syria. [1]1
Associate Professor Anita Handruleva became rector on 25 February 2021. The institution is located in Sofia, Bulgaria. [1]1
Sources
- Wikipedia (Bulgarian): Висше строително училище
- Official website: Lyuben Karavelov University of Structural Engineering and Architecture
Facts checked 13 October 2026. Prepared by InvestBulgaria for general information. Check admissions, fees and programmes with the university before applying or recruiting.
